Recession doesn't stop new businesses in Gatlinburg

Recession doesn't stop new businesses in Gatlinburg

By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Anchor/Reporter

GATLINBURG (WATE) -- Even during the recession, one East Tennessee town is growing. All kinds of businesses are moving into downtown Gatlinburg.

New tourist attractions, condo developments, an outdoor center and new retail stores are just a few of the things tourists can enjoy.

A new hotel, the first of its kind in the state with an environmentally friendly concept, just opened.

Work is also underway on a nearly 9 acre hotel-retail complex called Gateway Gatlinburg, which will be the first thing visitors see when they pull into town.

City officials are thrilled that in a down economy, people are still opening businesses.

"Compared to prior years, it's probably on a little less pace than it has been in prior years. We're just really encouraged to find that there's still some new development going on," says Gatlinburg Tourism Manager Walter Yeldell. 

The newest business, Zip Gatlinburg, opens Friday, July 3 and has tourists flying through the trees on a zip line adventure.

On Thursday, the Muszik family geared up for the first test ride at Zip Gatlinburg before it opens to the public.

It's a concept Carol and Jerald Muszik, along with their three sons, came up with after zip lining on vacation. Now, the family hopes the concept will be a money maker in Gatlinburg.

"People come from miles and miles around just to do a zip tour. So we think it's going to have a real positive impact economically on Gatlinburg," Carol Muszik says. 

Zip Gatlinburg is marketed as a family friendly adventure. "It's nine different lines and two sky bridges for kids and adults," Carol explains. "You don't have to be a certain weight limit. There's no walking. From the time you get up into the trees, you zip around until you come down."

The platforms actually swing slightly and when you leave them, you feel as if you're flying through the trees.

Zip line designer Robert Nickell describes it. "You get a bird's eye view, tree top level and see a part of the canopy or forest you can't normally see from the ground which gives you a whole new experience and connects you with nature."

Extensive safety measures are in place and the 10 guides are well trained.

The Muszik family hopes the business really gets off the ground as they ready themselves for a busy opening holiday weekend.

"The Space Needle is right behind us," Carol points out. "The fireworks will be going off July 4th. So we'll be doing twilight zip tours while the fireworks are going off. We're going to be running this until midnight every night."

The tour through the trees lasts about an hour-and-a-half. Tickets are $65.

The business will employ 20 people. It opens Friday morning at 9:00.